Selecting a Phlebotomy Technician School near Bridgewater Massachusetts

Choosing the right phlebotomy training near Bridgewater MA is an essential initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a challenging undertaking to analyze and compare all of the training options that are accessible to you. Nevertheless it’s vital that you do your due diligence to make sure that you obtain a superior education. In reality, most students begin their search by considering 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are location and cost. Yet another option you might look into is whether to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. We’ll talk a bit more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is much more to checking out phlebotomy training programs than locating the cheapest or the closest one. Other factors including accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and need to be part of your decision process also. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are assessing to help you choose the right one for you. But before we do that, let’s cover what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards resume our conversation about online schools.

Phlebotomy Technician Career Summary

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary responsibility, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample needs to be properly labeled with the patient’s information. Next, paperwork has to be accurately completed in order to track the sample from the point of collection through the lab testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be tested for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. Some Bridgewater MA phlebotomists actually work in labs and are in charge of making sure that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t sufficient duties, they may be asked to train other phlebotomists in the drawing, delivery and follow-up process.

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

The quickest response is wherever there are patients. Their workplaces are many and diverse, such as Bridgewater MA hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They may be charged to collect blood samples from patients of all ages, from babies or young children to seniors. A number of phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a particular type of patient. For instance, those practicing in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be collecting blood from older patients. If they are working in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. On the other hand, phlebotomists working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide range of patients and would work with different patients each day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Licensing and Certification

There are essentially two types of programs that furnish phlebotomy training in Bridgewater MA, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and provides a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the quickest route to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Available at junior and community colleges, they typically require 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less available and as a 4 year program provide a more comprehensive foundation in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to be certified. While not required in most states, a number of employers look for certification prior to employing technicians. Some of the main certifying agencies include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are a few states that do call for certification in order to practice as a phlebotomist, like California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s important that you pick a phlebotomy training program that not only offers a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification examinations that you are required or elect to take.

Phlebotomist Online Schools

To begin with, let’s resolve one possible misconception. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomy training online. A significant portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be conducted either in an approved Bridgewater MA healthcare facility or an on-campus lab|an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility}. Numerous courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical portion of the training can be accessed online, it can be a more practical alternative for many students. As an additional benefit, a number of online schools are more affordable than their traditional competitors. And some expenditures, including those for commuting or textbooks, may be reduced also. Just make certain that the online phlebotomist college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this method of learning. If you are disciplined enough to learn at home, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Phlebotomy Programs

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already picked the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the Massachusetts college is relevant as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an phlebotomy online school. Each of these decisions are a critical part of the process for picking a school or program. But they are not the only concerns when making your decision. Following are a few questions that you should ask about all of the Bridgewater MA colleges you are considering before making your ultimate decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Massachusetts? As earlier discussed, each state has its own laws for practicing as a phlebotomy technician. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum amount of clinical training performed prior to working as a phlebotomist. As a result, you might need to pass a State Board, licensing or certification examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to choose a phlebotomist program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Massachusetts or the state where you will be practicing and preps you for all exams you may be required to take.

Is the Program Accredited? The phlebotomy school and program you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of advantages to graduating from an accredited program in addition to a guarantee of a quality education. First, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination offered by any of the previously listed certifying agencies. Next, accreditation will help in securing financial aid or loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools in Bridgewater MA. Last, graduating from an accredited school can make you more attractive to future employers in the job market.

What is the College’s Ranking? In numerous states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest caliber. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can screen internet school reviews and rating services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can even talk to a few Bridgewater MA area hospitals or clinics that you might have an interest in working for and see if they can offer any recommendations. As a final thought, you can check with the Massachusetts school licensing authority and ask if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Provided? To begin with, contact the Massachusetts regulator or the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the length of training, both clinical and classroom. As a minimum, any Bridgewater MA phlebotomy program that you are considering should provide no less than 40 hours of classroom training (most require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything below these minimums might signify that the program is not expansive enough to furnish sufficient training.

Are Internship Programs Included? Ask the Massachusetts programs you are looking at if they have an internship program in collaboration with area health care facilities. They are the ideal means to get hands-on clinical training typically not available on campus. As an added benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Bridgewater MA health care community. And they are a plus on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Available? Getting your first phlebotomist position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the schools you are looking at offer assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, meaning they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the college has both a good reputation along with an extensive network of professional contacts within the Bridgewater MA medical community.

Are Classes Offered to Fit Your Schedule? Finally, it’s critical to verify that the ultimate school you select offers classes at times that will accommodate your hectic lifestyle. This is particularly important if you decide to still work while attending school. If you need to go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Bridgewater MA, make sure they are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, verify it is an option as well. And if you have decided to study online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes due to illness or emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Phlebotomist?

When preparing to interview for a Phlebotomy Technician position, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask Phlebotomy Technician applicants is "What compelled you to decide on Phlebotomy as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the private reasons you might have for being Phlebotomy Tech, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to Phlebotomy, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize a number of ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an exceptional Phlebotomy Tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Phlebotomy College near Bridgewater MA

Making sure that you choose the most suitable phlebotomy training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding healthcare field. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are found in a variety of educational institutes, including community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive assortment of programs in healthcare and medical sciences. Course options can vary a bit from state to state as each state has its own mandates when it pertains to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each college prior to making your ultimate decision. By asking the questions that we have provided, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the best college for you. And with the appropriate training, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a phlebotomy technician in Bridgewater MA.

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